Combined leveling and framing tool and protractor



T. SHIMP Nov. 7, 1933.

COMBINED LEVEL ING AND FRAMING TOOL AND PROTRAGTOR Filed Aug. 29, 1929 3Sheets-Sheet l gwwnto c, T 770mm Shim v.

T. SHIMP Nam '7, 1933:,

COMBINED LEVELING AND FRAMING TOOL AND PROTRACTOR Filed Aug. 29, 1929 3Sheets-Sheet 2 T. SHIMP Nov. 7, 1933.

COMBINED LEVELING AND FRAMING TOOL AND PROTRACTOR QM WQ Lu P r M I Q W.w w

Patented Nov. 7, 1933 UNITED srarss COMBINED LEVELING AND FRAMING TQULAmi) Thomas slum Inte rators, wva. Application August 29, 1929. SerialNo. 3%,184

7 Claims.

This invention relates to measuring and gaging devices, and morespecifically, to a combined leveling and framing tool and protractor.

One object of this invention is to provide an exceedingly convenient andcomparatively inexpensive combination tool adaptable for use bycarpenters, pattern makers, machinists and other mechanics, for servingvarious purposes such as leveling, roof framing, stair building, braceframing,,i'laying out angles and mitres for polygons, and other purposesnot necessary to specify.

Another object of this invention is to provide a tool of this characterwhich can be collapsed or folded so as to occupy a comparatively smallspace in a tool kit.

Another object is to provide a tool of this character by which measuringand gaging can be accomplished simultaneously in the operation of layingoff rafters and the like.

Another object is to provide a tool of this character which embodiesplain and universally well known and easily understood markings orindicia that can be readily understood and used by any ordinarymechanic, even if such mechanic cannot understood the use of indicia oftrigonometry, etc.

Another object is to provide a tool of this character including a beamwhich is divided into sections, each section including index linesrepresenting various angles, and each section adjoining a complementarysection which contains informative matter as to the purpose and usethereof.

Another object is to provide, in a tool of this character, a right-angleor square section having I means for attaching it to two blades orextensions,

such blades or extensions being provided with means for adjustablysecuring them to the main beam,-so that the tool can be used for layingout stairrailarafters and the like, and so that the tool can be foldedwhen the right angle section is detached.-

Another object is to provide a tool of this character having its mainbeam formed of a channel beam, so the flanges of the channel beamprotect the wing-nuts against being struck and displaced while thedevice is in use, that is, the wing-nuts which hold the gaging blades intheir various adjustments. Y

Other objects and important features are pointed out or implied in thefollowing details of description, in connection with the accompany-' ingdrawings in which:

Figure 1 is an elevation of the device applied on apiece of timber orlumber, and showing numerous angles and markings laid out by the device.

(Cl. se -e2) Figure 2 is a front view of the device made complete by aremovable right-angle section secured to the adjustable gaging blades. 7

Figures and Saywhen taken together, constitute an enlarged viewof thedevice, showing the details which could not be shown on the smallerviews.

Figure l is a view somewhat similar to Figure 2, but showing the detailsmore clearly.

Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the right angle 5 member or attachment,one end being broken off, and the main body containing indicia or tablesfor guiding the users of the device, a part of one of the blades beingindicated in broken lines.

Figure 6 is anenlarged sectional view along the line 6-6 of Figures tand 5. i

Figure 7 is a longitudinal sectional view. alon the line 77 of Figure 4.

Referring to these drawings in detail, in

which similar reference characters correspond blades are applied thereference characters 1 5 and 2.

A beam 3 is preferably formed of channel iron or other metal, and haslongitudinal slots 4 and 5, each of the slots extending from a pointnear the middle of the beam to a point near theend of the beam, but notextending to the middle, nor to' the end of the beam. Each of the blades1 and 2 is provided with a slot which extends from one end portion tothe opposite end portion as shown at 6 and '7. the slots 4 and 6. Ascrew 10 extends through the slots 5 and '7. Each screw 8 and 10 hasthereon a wing-nut 9, so the blades 1 and 2 can be held in an infinitenumber of adjustments as to location and angular relation with respectto the beam 3, the screws 8 and '10 constituting pivots as well asclamping elements. Referring to Figures 3 and 301,, it is seen that thebeam 3 is provided with twelve distinctly separate groups of indicia, asreferred to by the reference-letters A to L,'inclusive. Groups A to F,inclusive contain laterally extending lines which constitute gaginglines or indexing lines for registering with either longitudinal edge ofthe short .arm

of the blade 1. of these sets of indicia also 11( These 30 A screw 8extends through 95 l as 1 in which the gaging blades can slide.

includes Arabic numerals which correlate them with the respective angleswhich are to be laid out by the device. It should be clearly understoodthat these numerals have no reference to degrees of angularity, and tomake this fact entirely clear, each group of indicia, referring tosection A, it is seen that it contains the words Top cut of hip raftersfor 3 to 12 pitch. In the present example, it is seen that the Arabicnumeral 3 of this section indicates that the adjacent line, when inregistration with an edge of the short arm of the blade 1, shows thatthe long arm of blade 1 is adjusted for marking or gaging a hip rafterfor a three-inch pitch. As another example, assume that the short arm ofblade 1 is registering with the line having the numeral 8 thereon, insection or group E (Fig. 3a) such portion of blade 1, in connection withthe note of this section or group, showing that the blade 1 is set forgaging and marking the ,top out of common rafters for eight-inch pitch.Likewise, the short arm of blade No. 2, when set so one of its edgesregisters with line 8 of group or section I, shows that it is set forgaging and marking th angles, but the numeral 8 corresponds to thenumber of sides of the polygon, while the printed note of this group orsection shows that this is the proper group for use in laying outpolygons. As another example, with respect to blade No. 2, we may assumethat one of the edges of its short arm registers with the index-line 7of section or group L; this will indicate that the blade is set forgaging and marking the bottom cuts of common rafters which are to have apitch of seven inches. The top slide'or metal strip 12' is inch by inchby inches long, put on the face of the level frame with six screws, andstands out from the face of the level frame inch so that a slot 12a isprovided The face of the beam 3 is provided with lines and correlatednumerals that indicate the positions for cuts and angles to be obtainedby setting the gaging blades parallel with the diagonal lines on theface of the level.

Section A provides indicia for laying out top cuts for hip and valleyrafters, according to the following incomplete table:

Set Blade No. 1 on line No. 3 for 3 inch pitch to the foot 7 SetBladeNo. 1 on line No. 4 for 4 inch pitch to the foot I Set BladeNo. 1on line No. 5 for 5 inch patch to the foot Section C provides indiciaforlaying out bevels of hip and valley rafters at top to fit deck, as inthe following incomplete table:

SeotionD provides indicia for laying out bevels of jack rafters to fithip and valley rafters, according to the following incomplete table:

Set Blade No. 1 on line No'. 3 for 3 inch pitch to the foot Set BladeNo. 1 on line No. 4 for 4 inch pitch to the foot Set Blade No. 1 online'No. 5 for 5 inch pitch to the foot Section Eprovides indicia forlaying ou p cuts of common rafters, as in the following incompletetable:

Set Blade No. 1 on line No. 3 for 3 inch pitch to the foot Set Blade No.1 on line No. 4 for 4 inch pitch to the foot 7 I Set Blade No. 1 on lineNo. 5 for 5 inch pitch to the foot Section J provides indicia for layingout backing for hip and valley rafters as in the following incompletetable:

Set Blade No. 2 on line No. 3 for 3 inch pitch to the foot SetBlade No.2 on line No. 4 for 4 inch pitch to the foot Set Blade No. 2 on line No.5 for 5 inch pitch to the foot Section K gives indicia for layingoutbottom cuts for hip and valley rafters, as in the followingincomplete table: v

Set BladeNo. 2 on line No. 3 for .3 inch pitch to the foot.

Set Blade No. 2 on line No. 4 for 4 inch pitch to the foot y I Set BladeNo. 2 on line No. 5 for 5 inch pitch to the foot Section L gives indiciaforlaying out bottom cuts for common rafters, as in thefollowing-incomplete table: 1

Set Blade .No. 2 on line 'No. 3 for 3 inch. pitch the foot Set Blade No.2 on line No. 4 for 4 inch pitch to the foot Set Blade No. 2 on line No.5 for 5 inchpitch t0 thefoot Section B gives indicia'for laying out cutsfor polygon miters, as shown in the following incomplete tablez SetBlade No. 1 on line No. 3 for the triangle 3 sides.

Set Blade No.

sides. l I

Set Blade No. 1 on line No. 6 for the hexagon 6 sides.

Set Blade No. 1 on line No. 7 for the heptagon'l, sides.

Set Blade No. 1 on line No. 8 for the octagon 8 sides.

1 on line No. 5 for the pentagon'S Set Blade No. 1 on line No. 9 forthenonagon, 9

sides. Set Blade No.

sides.

Section I gives indicia for-laying out anglesfor polygons, as shown inthe following incomplete tablei 1 Set Blade No. 2 on line No. 3 for thetriangle '3 sides.

Set Blade No. 2 on line No. 5 for, the pentagon 5 sides. V

Set Blade No. 2 on line No. 6 for the hexagon '6 sides.

Section F shows indicia forlaying-out a square, set Blade No. 1 on linemarked right angle.

To lay out a square miter, set Blade No. 1- on line marked squaremiterx.

Sections G and H show indicia for determining a jack rafters length perrun when spaced on 24 1 on line No. 10 for the decagon 10 in thfifollowing tables.

Section G:

3 inches pitchto one it.

24"74/100 long 4 inches pitch to one it.

25"38/100 lon 5 inches pitch to one ft.

26"00/100 long 6 inches pitch to one it. and 24 inches on centers26"84/100 long '7 inches pitch to one it.

27"78/100 long 8 inches pitch to one it. and 24 inches on centers28"84/100 long e 9 inches pitch to one ft. and 24 inches on center's30"00/100 long l e I 10 inches pitch to one ft. and 24 inches on centers31"24/100 long 11 inches pitch to one ft. and 24 inches 32"56/100 longand 24 inches on centers and 24 inches on centers and 24 inches oncenters and 24 inches on centers on centers 3?)"94/100 long Section H:

3 inches pitch to one foot centers 16"49/100 long 4 inches pitch to onefoot centers 16"92/100 long 5 inches pitch to one foot centers 17"33/100long 6 inches pitch to one foot centers 17"89/100 long '7 inches pitchto one foot centers 18"52/100 long 8 inches pitch to one foot centers19"09/100 long 9 inches pitch to one foot and centers 20"00/100 long I10 inches pitch to one foot and centers 20"83/100 long 11 inches pitchto one foot and centers 21"70/100 long 12 inches pitch to one foot andcenters 22"62/100 long Referring again to the longitudinal metal strips12 and 13, the strip 12 is the one which carries the notes of therespective groups of indicia, and

and 16 inches on and .16 inches on and 16 inches on and inches on andinches on and inches on inches on inches on inches on 16 inches on thestrip 13 is the measuring strip, being graduat- 7 ed for inches andfractions thereof. These strips 12 and 13 are secured at their ends andmiddle parts by screws or other appropriate means, and have parts spacedfrom the body of the beam 3, to provide slots 14 and 15 through whichthe blades 1 and 2 extend. The slots 15 are long enough to permit theblades 1 and 2 to be slid from the middle part to the end parts of thebeam 3, and to permit these blades to be folded into a substantiallyparallel relation to the beam 3, as shown in Figs. 3 and 3a.

For providing all possible convenience for the use of such tools, Iprovide this beam 3 with leveling and plumbing devices such as shown at16 and 17, and I also provide the beam 3 with tables 18 at oppositesides of the leveling device 1'7.

A detachable square member or right angle member 19 is shown attachedand secured to the ends of the blades 1 and 2, Fig. 4; and in Fig. 5,the same member is shown detached, this figure being enlarged forshowing the tables or instruction-notes for cutting braces, for layingoff risers and so on. Each member 19 includes a plate having arms 20which are grooved at 21 (as shown in Figs. 5 and 6), and which haveinternally screw-threaded ends having thumbscrews 22 screwed therein.Blades 1 and 2 have openings '23 into which'the heads or the screws inrigid engagement with the bladesl and 2. It will be seen that themember19 and the blades (Z 1 and 2 have measuring edges includinggraduations, preferably inches and fractions thereof.

It will'alsobe seen (Fig. 4) that the graduations on the "member 19 arecomplemehta'r'cy to the graduati'ons on the blades 1 and 2. When-themembersfll, 2 and 19 are secured together as shown in Fig. 4, they forma unitary member or tri-square which is' bodily-adjustable with'respectto-the beam 3. By adjusting this unitary member to theposition shown inFig. 2, this combination tool is made applicablefor layingout stairbraces having 10 treads and 7%"risers. 7

Referring again to Figs. 3 and Ba, it is seen that the blades 1 and 2are partly hidden, the lower part of blades l and 2 being in the slotbetween the :body of beam 3 and the strip 13, and the upper corner ofblade 2'being in theslot 14 between-the beam 3 and the strip 12." 'lhr'ese strips 12 and lii p'rotect the edges of the blades 1 and 2, sothey will not become bent or battered when being carried in a toolkit;It should be noted that-the slots 6 and 7 extend into'both arms of eachblade'l and 2, so the screws sane lo can be operated ineither arm of therespective blades; thereby permitting alarge range of ad 1 10 justments'of the blades with respect to one another and with-respect 'to the beam3.

Referring again to thesections or "groups of indicia A to Linclusive,-'it is seen thatthey are spaced from one another;- that is, aelearspase is providedbetween each group and the next'adjacent group, sothey are distinctly separate'from one another, and there'isno dangerofan 'element of one'group being confused with" an element of "any otherof the group. The 'indicia 1 20 designated GH refer to both table's Garid Although Ihave described this embodiment 01? my invention veryspecifically; I do not intend to limit my patent protection to theseexact details of construction, arrangement and operation, 1% for theinvention is susceptible of numerous changes within the scope of theinventive ideas as implied and claimed.

What I claim as my invention is:

1. In a tool of the character described, the 159 combination of a beamhaving alined slots spaced from one another at the middle part of thebeam and extending towards the ends of the beam, two originally separategaging blades, two adjusting screws extending through the respective 16}slots of' the beam and slidable therealong and engaged with therespective gaging blades so as to hold them in difierent and independentadjustments along said beam while one end of each blade is free, atleast one of these blades 131$ having a slot extending therealong andadapted to permit one of said screws to slide therein, and means tosecure the free ends of the gaging blades in a definite united andunchangeable angular relation to one another substantially 14$ as shown.

2. In a combination tool of the character described, the combination ofa beam having a gaging edge and having a slot extending parallel to thegaging edge, a gaging blade, a screw extend- 59 an edge of said gagingblade in its difierent adjustments, ametal strip having its end portionssecured to said beam and having a portion spaced from the beam andthereby providing a slot through which said gaging blade can slide undersaid strip, said strip having thereon a. printed note registeringwithsaid group of indexing lines for imparting information regarding theuse of said indexing lines, and ameasuring strip having indicia thereonand secured on said beam andextending parallel to its gaging edge andhaving a part spaced from the beam to provide a slot through which saidgaging blade can slide under the measuring strip to avoid hiding any ofsaid indicia.

3, In a combination toolof the character described, the combination of abeam having a gaging edge and having two alined slots extending parallelto the gaging edge, a gaging blade, a

screw extending through one of said slots and slidable therein andengaged with said gaging blade, a wing-nut combining with said screw tohold the gaging blade in different angular relations to the gaging edgeof said beam, said beam having a group of indexing lines extendingcrosswise thereof for registration with an edge of said gaging blade inits different adjustments, a metal strip having its end portions securedto said beam and having a portion spaced from the beam and therebyproviding a slot through which said gaging blade can slide under saidstrip, said strip having a printed note thereon and registering withsaid group of indexing lines for imparting information regarding the useof said indexing lines, a second gaging blade, a screw extending throughthe second slot of said beam and engaging with said second gaging bladeand operable for holding the same in different adjustments along saidsecond slot, said beam having a second group of indexing lines, saidsecond group being in indexing relation to said second gaging blade, andmeans for insertion between the gaging blades to secure them in adefinite unchangeable angular relation toone another.

4. In a combination tool of the character described, the combination ofa beam having slots extending therealong, two gaging blades .each havinga slot'extending therealong and also having a gaging edge, a screwconstituting a pivot and extending through the slot of one blade andthrough one slot of said beam and being slidable along these slots forefiecting adjustments of this gaging blade and being operable to securethis blade in .dififerent adjustments in which it has one end free, asecond screw constituting a pivot and extending through the other slotofsaid beam and through the slot of the other blade and slidable alongthese slots and operable to hold this blade in different adjustments inwhich it has one end free, whereby said blades can be adjusted todifferent angles to said beam and toone another, and an originallyseparate section having edges at an angle to 'one another and providedwith means to removably secure it to the free ends of said blades insuch relation that said edges are alined with the respective gagingedges of said blades and are held in an unchangeable angular relation toone another while in a changeable angular relation to'said beam. i

5. The structure defined by. claim 4, each of said blades having twostraight arms' at an angle to one another, the amount of angularity ofthe arms of one blade being greater than the amount of angularity of thearms of the other blade, sub stantially as shown.

6. The structure defined by claim 4, each gaging blade having twostraight arms at a definite angle to one another, the slot of each bladeextending from one arm into the other arm and conforming to saiddefinite angle, substantially as shown.

'7. The structure defined by claim 4, each of the gaging blades havingmeasuring graduations along its gaging edge, said originally separatesection having graduations along its edges that are alined with saidgaging edges, the graduations of said gaging edges being complemental tothose of said originally separate section when the latter is secured tothe blades as shown.

THOMAS SHIMP.

